The Chamber of Deputies of Argentina has approved a Federal Bill to ban online gambling and sports betting advertising across all Argentine provinces.
The Bill was fast-tracked to the Lower House on 21 November and was approved yesterday by deputies, with 139 votes in favour, 36 against, and 59 abstentions.
Articles cite that the Bill aims to “prevent cyber gambling addiction in children” by banning the advertising of online gambling and sports betting as a federal measure.
Online gambling and sports betting advertisements will be prohibited across all platforms, including TV, radio, social media, the Internet, streaming services, and gaming platforms. Additionally, public advertising, such as billboards, posters, and urban signage, will also be strictly banned.
The Federal Ban imposes strict restrictions on sponsorship by gambling operators, prohibiting them from sponsoring sports teams such as Boca Juniors (sponsored by Betsson), River Plate (Codere), and Argentina’s national team XI , as well as individual athletes.
It also extends to banning advertisements in stadiums, sports venues, and on LED signage during games or events. Additionally, gambling operators are barred from sponsoring or advertising their services at cultural events, including concerts and festivals.
Social media restrictions prohibit influencers from promoting online gambling or sports betting, targeting individuals with significant online followings on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, even though the term “influencer” is not specifically defined in Argentine law.
In addition, ‘Public Personalities – real and fictional‘, are also barred from appearing in gambling-related advertisements to prevent misleading or aspirational messaging, particularly aimed at protecting minors and vulnerable audiences.
As such, the federal bill will only allow advertising for online gambling and sports betting within authorised gambling halls, lottery agencies, and sales outlets. These advertisements must prominently display a mandatory disclaimer stating, “Compulsive gambling is harmful to your health and that of your family,” in line with public health efforts to mitigate gambling addiction.
As the Bill moves to the Senate, stakeholders, including Argentine football teams, will have the opportunity to address its potential impacts. These teams, which heavily rely on gambling sponsorships, may face financial strain and be compelled to find alternative funding sources if this revenue stream is lost.
Deliberations in the Chamber of Deputies provided no feedback from sports or media stakeholders on how the Federal Ban should be implemented or whether a statutory period for existing contracts to conclude should be allowed, which will now be reviewed by the Senate.
Argentine provinces noted that, with gambling advertising banned in cultural and educational settings, awareness campaigns may be required to ensure adherence and public understanding of these restrictions.
The Senate is awaiting input from Civic Committees to settle on the terms of a Federal Framework on gambling protections to supersede provincial and municipal laws on gambling.
The Committees have been warned of the urgency to finalise policies on gambling protections, as stakeholders aim to implement a federal framework before Argentina’s mid-term legislative elections in 2025, which are likely to alter the composition of the Chamber of Deputies.
The Senate recognises that these restrictions highlight a growing concern over the impact of gambling marketing on public health, particularly evidenced by cases involving minors and vulnerable populations. However, enforcing the advertising and sponsorship bans in Argentina could spark debates about balancing the economic consequences for the country’s sports and media sectors, a conflict the government aims to address without resorting to compensation.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our Telegram channel!
